The
Nicholas Robbins Family
CHARLES A. ROBINS
CHARLES A. ROBINS (A biographical sketch compiled by Lawrence G. Robbins from Robins family records in the Family History Library, Salt Lake City, UT and data in the Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, edited by Robert Sobel and John Raimo and published by Meckler Books, Westport,CT, 1978) Re: The Nicholas Robbins Family, No. 7.174.4
Charles Armington Robins, second son and youngest child of Charles M. Robins and Rebecca J. Burke, was born December 8, 1884 in Shelby County, Iowa. Around 1890 the family moved to Otero County, Colorado, where the senior Charles ranched and served as Deputy County Clerk. After completing his basic education in local schools, Charles went east to college, graduating from William Jewell College in Missouri in 1907. Thereafter he taught high school for six years, the last three in Laurel, Mississippi, prior to enrolling in the University of Chicago Medical School. After receiving his medical degree in 1917, he enlisted in World War I, where he served with distinction as a first lieutenant in the Army Medical Corps until his discharge in December, 1918. The following summer he returned to Mississippi, where he was united in marriage with Marguerite Granberry on July 8, 1919 at Hazlehurst.
Following their marriage, Charles and Marguerite moved to St. Maries, Idaho, where he established a general practice and later managed the local hospital. Concurrent with his medical practice, he was elected to public office in 1938 and served four terms in the Idaho State Senate, the last as the Republican Majority Leader. Marguerite, a musician by training, was active in community affairs and a founding member of the St. Maries Musical Society. She passed away on May 1, 1938, a month following her forty-sixth birthday. Charles married secondly, Patricia Simpson on November 15, 1939. Their children were Patricia A. Robins, born October 7, 1940 and Paula J. Robins, born December 23, 1944, both at St. Maries.
In 1946 Charles received the gubernatorial nomination of his party, ran successfully in the general election and was inaugurated to a four year term as Governor in January, 1947. His term of office was noted for several reforms including school district consolidation, restructuring of prison management and alcohol control. Idaho State College was upgraded from a junior college to a four year degree granting institution during his tenure. Charles returned to medicine following completion of his term as Governor. His later years included service as the Director of the North Idaho Medical Service Bureau in Lewiston, a position he held for seven years. He died at Lewiston on September 20, 1970 and is buried there at the Lewis and Clark Memorial Gardens.
Submitted by Lawrence G. Robbins, October, 2007. Mr. Robbins may be contacted by email at boprobbins@yahoo.com.